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The mnemonics for needle manipulation techniques are numerous; I have selected the essentials and compiled them into twelve songs. These cover taking acupoints, holding the needle, inserting the finger, withdrawing, rubbing, twisting, retaining, shaking, and extracting.
[Note] [1] The twelve-character mnemonic for sequential manipulation techniques originated from Yang Jizhou of Sanqu.
[2] Later schools had many such mnemonics, but all were inevitably complicated.
[3] Now, selecting the essentials, I have compiled them into twelve songs again, hoping they will be concise and appropriate, facilitating learning for future students.

When taking an acupoint, first press deeply with the fingernail. You must instruct the patient to focus their mind inward, so that Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) are not injured. Only then can the physician perform exquisite needle insertion.
[Note] [1] When inserting a needle, use the nail of the left thumb to press heavily on the target acupoint, causing the Qi and Blood to open up.
Instruct the patient to concentrate their spirit internally and not let it wander externally. Then insert the needle, ensuring it does not injure Ying and Wei Qi; this is considered exquisite technique.

The practitioner holding the needle must be mentally steadfast and forceful. The hand should grip as if holding a tiger, without relaxing. To understand the profound secrets of the three levels (Heaven, Earth, Man), one must repeatedly ponder and exhaust this principle.
[Note] [1] The practitioner must be careful in mind yet vigorous in strength. Holding the needle with the right hand over the acupoint, the posture should resemble holding a tiger, never relaxing.
Apply force to rotate and insert until the designated stopping point, take three deep breaths, then withdraw the needle slightly and apply it slowly.
[2] Regarding the profound principles of the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth, Man), those who wish to comprehend them in mind and apply them in needlework must repeatedly ponder these principles.

The principle of warming the needle is most beneficial. Warm the needle in the mouth, carefully examine the acupoint, and ensure cold and heat do not contend. Only when Ying and Wei Qi flow freely and smoothly can treatment proceed peacefully.
[Note] [1] Before inserting a needle, one must first place the used needle in the mouth to warm it, and carefully determine the acupoint location before needling.
[2] Avoid letting cold and heat contend, so that Blood and Qi harmonize, resulting in a peaceful outcome.

The method of needle insertion relies on grasping the critical timing. Missing the meridian or acupoint is highly inadvisable. For Yang meridians, select depressions between sinews and bones; for Yin meridians, exercise caution. After thorough consideration and decision, the needle may restore health.
[Note] [1] When inserting a needle, the patient's Shen (Spirit) must be calm and respiration even. The physician must also maintain this state, grasping the critical moment precisely.
Do not be hasty. Carefully examine which part of the meridian and acupoint is involved. Do not lightly insert the needle, lest you miss the correct meridian or acupoint.
[2] If treating a Yang region, select depressions between sinews and bones to avoid injuring them.
If treating a Yin region, such as within the popliteal fossa where arterial pulses correspond, use the fingernail to press heavily on the meridian line.
Wait a moment before inserting the needle, so as not to injure Ying and Wei Qi.
[3] Furthermore, only after careful consideration and final decision should the needle be inserted, allowing the disease to heal.